Another month, another heaping helping of new shows, movies, and specials hitting Netflix. The streaming giant is loading up for the shortest month with something for everyone. We have a duo of new animated features (one family friendly, the other not so much) making their streaming debuts, while a lauded show fresh off of multiple Golden Globe awards will be available to binge. On top of these choice offerings, we have a plethora of classics, comedies, and docs to get us through February.

Here’s a few of our must-stream movies and shows coming to Netflix in December, and don’t forget to check out the complete list of new additions below!

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Disney’s Finding Dory (February 1)

A tale of hope, positivity, and acceptance, Finding Dory is the perfect antidote to the distressing reality of the outside world. The sequel to 2003’s Finding Nemo welcomes back Ellen DeGeneres as the lovable amnesiac blue tang Dory, who sets off to reconnect with her family along with Marlin and Nemo. In another example of why sometimes sequels aren’t such a bad idea, Dory taps into a persistent optimism, which currently seems in short supply, and ultimately lifts the viewer’s spirit. An effortless blend of humor and heart, Finding Dory is one of those rare movies that will be enjoyed by everyone from age 1 to 100.

20th Century Fox

The Longest Day (February 1)

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the 1962 Oscar winning epic is a gripping chronicle of Allied landings in Normandy during World War II, a day that consequently became known as D-Day. Not only an entertaining actioner featuring some of the day’s biggest stars, The Longest Day is a well thought out, accurate history of June 6, 1944, showing the invasion from the point of view of each component. Also notable is the verisimilitude with which the film was produced, with American playing Americans and Brits playing Brits, along with directors corresponding in nationality to the segments they helmed. Furthermore, the film made use of D-Day veterans in acting and consulting roles. The result is a film brimming with authenticity, a compelling yet historically accurate chronicle of one of the most pivotal days in Western history.

FX

American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (February 2)

The O.J. Simpson murder case remains one of the most publicized trials in American history and at first look, it might seem a little redundant to do a TV show about it. However, Ryan Murphy’s limited quelled these doubts on its way to becoming one of the most critically acclaimed shows of the year. At the core of the series’ success is the dynamite performance of Sarah Paulson as lead prosecutor Marcia Clark. Paulson portrays Clark with the deft sensitivity of an elite thespian, conveying the psychological toll prosecuting the O.J. Simpson case took on Clark. Sterling K. Brown and Courtney B. Vance also steal scenes as Christopher Darden and Johnnie Cochran, respectfully. Through the strength of its cast, The People v. OJ sheds light onto the people at the center of the case and finds a new way to tell the infamous story.

Columbia Pictures

Superbad (February 4)

My how they’ve grown. Jonah Hill and Emma Stone are now both two-time Oscar nominees while writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg have become two of the premier comedic minds of their generation. Superbad deserves its place in the pantheon of teen comedies and became a cultural touchpoint for teen moviegoers when it was released nearly ten years ago. Rogen and Goldberg’s M.O. of raunchy comedy mixed with sweet tones is on fully display and pushes the film beyond mindless romp and into the realm of a genuine look at the pitfalls and struggles of one’s teenage years.

Entertainment One

David Brent: Life on the Road (February 10)

The world’s worst boss is back as Ricky Gervais once again slips back into the ugly suit and the wispy goatee of the endlessly obnoxious David Brent. Life on the Road catches up with Brent fifteen years after the airing of the “documentary” series The Office. He is now a traveling sales rep for a bathroom supply company, which seems to perfectly match Brent’s sense of humor. But not content with shucking sink fixtures, Brent makes the brilliant decision to take an unpaid leave, cash in his pension, and pursue his fantastical dream of rock stardom. Brent reforms his band, the amazingly named Foregone Conclusion, and sets off to introduce England to the self-recognized genius of David Brent.

Focus Features

Milk (February 16)

With issues of equality and acceptance at the fore in the current political climate, it is more important than ever to learn about the history of civil rights activism. Harvey Milk was a giant in that arena. Milk was the first openly-gay person to be elected to public office in California and fought his whole career for full civil rights for gay people until he was assassinated in 1978. In the film, Sean Penn portrays Milkwith unrelenting energy and authenticity and he crafts a moving portrayal of the late activist. Gus Van Sant pilots Dustin Lance Black’s script with a deft hand and unflinching honesty. With Milk’s story more relevant than ever, the film is an important exhibition of the power of activism in a democracy.

Columbia Pictures

Sausage Party (February 23)

“What would it be like if our food has feelings?” That was the question that set Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and co. upon the road that eventually led to the raunchy yet heartfelt trip that is Sausage Party. The film follows Frank, a sausage on a quest to reconnect with his true love, a bun named Brenda, and on his journey begins to question his existence as a lowly sausage in the wide wide world of his home supermarket. With echoes of Toy Story, Sausage Party taps into the central question of the human condition in an easily accessible manner that allows the audience to empathize with the otherwise outlandish situation. Packed with an all-star cast, including Rogen, Michael Cera, Bill Hader, and the hilarious Salma Hayek, Sausage Party will keep you laughing for the duration of its run.

Netflix

Mike Birbiglia: Thank God for Jokes (February 28)

Hot off his universally acclaimed dramedy “Don’t Look Twice,” Mike Birbiglia returns to Netflix at the end of the month with his off-Broadway one-man show. Birbiglia explores the concept of what a joke is while touching on a wide range of topics such as the White House receiving line, his infamous hosting of the 2012 Gotham Independent Film Awards, and how tardiness is the principal source of division in society. The show got rave reviews during its run and is sure to be an enjoyable slice of Birbiglia’s comedy.

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